by Austin DuVall, Communications & Content Manager

Every day at the Institute, we bring people together to solve problems and create new opportunities for a better world, serving Winthrop Rockefeller’s legacy as a leader and convenor.

As part of the Institute’s marketing team, I am always searching for original source material to better inform my understanding of Winthrop’s work and worldview. We are incredibly fortunate to have a local treasure trove for researching Winthrop’s life: the UA Little Rock Center for Arkansas History & Culture. In addition to books, manuscripts, microfilm, and online databases of Arkansas history, the Center also houses the Winthrop Rockefeller Collection, which includes papers, photos, video, and memorabilia donated by his estate.

2024 marks six years that Julia Dossett Morgan, director of marketing and communication, and I have been at the Institute. That’s quite a long time to spend most workdays reflecting on one specific individual. We, along with fellow marketeers Venita Berry and Lucas Potts, are the chief storytellers of the Institute. Everything we create is infused with what was left behind by Winthrop and those who knew him.

But what of his early life? More than 40 years of Winthrop’s history predate his last 20 years here. In 1953, the fourth son of one of the world’s wealthiest and most powerful families suddenly pulled up stakes from New York City and relocated to the top of a mountain in the middle of Arkansas. What did he leave behind?

Earlier this year, Julia and I traveled to New York in search of exactly that. This journey was not just a step back in time but a bridge connecting the past to our ongoing work at the Institute. Over seven days, we visited several locations, from Pocantico Hills, where Winthrop spent his childhood summers, to New York City, where the family offices still exist at Rockefeller Center.

The primary highlights of our visit include Kykuit, the Rockefeller family estate, and the Rockefeller Archive Center.

Kykuit, the Rockefeller Estate

Kykuit is in the Pocantico Hills of Westchester County, just 25 miles north of New York City. The name “Kykuit” means “lookout” in Dutch, fitting for its beautiful views of the Hudson River and surrounding lands. Built as a peaceful retreat for the Rockefeller family, it became home to four generations, with John D. Rockefeller Sr., John D. Rockefeller Jr., and Nelson A. Rockefeller leaving the most notable marks.

Since 1905, Kykuit has showcased the Rockefeller family’s intellectual and creative pursuits, significantly transforming under Nelson’s ownership in the 1960s. In December 1991, Kykuit was donated to the National Trust for Historic Preservation and opened to the public.

Julia and I took the grand tour of Kykuit, which included the estate’s rich history, architecture, gardens, and modern art collections. It was apparent to both of us how much the layout and character of Kykuit influenced Winrock Farms and Winthrop’s original homestead here. One gets a sense of déjà vu when looking out at the Hudson River from the estate’s gardens. Between the two lies Sleepy Hollow, much like how Oppelo and Ada Valley lie between the Arkansas River and Petit Jean Mountain.

Inside, each room, artifact, and piece of art told a story of innovation, philanthropy, and an unwavering commitment to societal improvement. Winthrop’s dedication to Arkansas was not merely a personal mission; it was a continuation of a family tradition of using resources and influence to impact society in a positive way.

There was also the obvious…difference. Kykuit displays a certain opulence alien to anyone familiar with Winthrop Rockefeller. While he had access to immense wealth, Winthrop chose a more modest and practical lifestyle in Arkansas. The contrast between the grandeur of Kykuit and the humble simplicity of Winrock Farms is striking, yet both places share a deep commitment to stewardship of the land and warm hospitality toward its guests.

We were fortunate to attend a community day at Kykuit, an open-house celebration at the David Rockefeller Creative Arts Center featuring various cultural performances, hands-on art and science activities, and gardening workshops. It was a vibrant experience highlighting the Rockefeller family’s ongoing commitment to community engagement, much like our efforts at the Institute.

The Rockefeller Archive Center

The Rockefeller Archive Center — located in Sleepy Hollow, New York — is a vital resource for understanding the extensive philanthropic endeavors of the Rockefeller family. Housing millions of documents, photographs, and records, the Center was established in 1974 by the children of John D. Rockefeller, Jr. to gather in one institution the records of their family’s work. It provides an unparalleled glimpse into the family’s impact on international health, arts, agriculture, social sciences, urban affairs, public policy, and education.

Julia and I split up upon arriving, as we’d both requested our own veritable ton of records to look through. Mine were mostly microfilm and campaign records, while Julia focused on Winrock Farms and Winthrop’s early life. What I found ranged from charming (recipes written by Jeannette Rockefeller for the 1959 Morrilton Methodist Church cookbook) to somber (letters written between Winthrop and his parents during the most challenging times of his service in WWII). I also saved letters written by Winthrop to scholarship recipients (one of whom is on our board), various campaign speeches, letters from voters, and paperwork outlining his move to Arkansas in 1953.

Center staff also took us downstairs to view some video reels that we’d requested. These were in the process of being digitized, so we were able to view the original copies using their equipment. These films included the funeral service for Winthrop in 1973, campaign commercials, Rockefeller family home videos, and documentary-style productions about the Winrock Farms cattle operation.

I should note that if you ever have the opportunity to visit the Center, plan to spend more than one day researching! As wonderful as the staff were to work with and as comfortable as they made us, there was no way to fully absorb all of the records we had requested in the allotted time. However, we can spin this as a great excuse to go back…

What we found during that day was invaluable to our work at the Institute, providing context and inspiration as we strive to continue our mission back here in Arkansas. The entire trip was inspirational and provided so much more than a historical exploration.

The principles of service, community, and continuous improvement are as relevant today as they were in Winthrop’s time. In the campaign letters I scanned, Winthrop often signed off with, “Yours for a better Arkansas.”  This phrase perfectly captures what we strive for at the Institute: bringing Arkansans together to tackle problems, create new opportunities, and work toward a brighter future for the Natural State and beyond.

Comments

  1. 1
    Meenakshi Budhraja on July 31, 2024

    What a lovely write up!! Had I known you guys were here I’d have loved to have you over. (UWS) I’m from AR and and always excited to connect NY to AR:)

  2. 2
    Phyllis McKuin on July 31, 2024

    Austin, So glad you and Julia had this opportunity to see and study the Rockefeller family history, especially relating to Winthrop. What a special time for both of you! And, yes, I certainly hope that a return trip will take place, as well.
    Thanks for sharing your experiences here in the institute newsletter.

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